Reflecting Space in your home

By Neha Dewan

Mirrors not only add to the aesthetics of a house, but also make them look double the size.

Want to make the home space ooze opulence? Try mirrors. Not only do they give a feeling of space, they can also easily lift the style quotient of the decor.

Mumbai-based furniture mall Tangent has a wide range in mirrors for the living room, entrances and bathrooms. Available in different designs and shapes, these could range between Rs 4,000 and Rs 55,000. Wide mirrors, glass frames or metal frame mirrors, they are all there. Chintan Doshi, director of Tangent India, explains how mirrors can make all the difference at home. “Mirrors add to the aesthetics of the house when used at strategic places.

They can also make the premises look double the size if placed appropriately. Often a small room, narrow corridor or hallway can be made to feel larger by incorporating the mirror on one of the walls if ideally placed on the longest of the three walls. The latest trend is to place mirrors on bathroom cabinets, thus presenting a very minimalistic but cosmopolitan design and look,” he says.

Ame de Verre, a luxury boutique of art decoratives, has some eye-catching options. The mirrors here are handcrafted with imported glass sourced from around the world. Depending on the intricacy of the design, a single mirror can sometimes take months to complete. Priced between Rs 50,000 and Rs 5 lakh, these are functional and decorative. Says

Meenakshi Salve, designer and owner, Ame De Verre, “Mirrors are the most versatile accessories as they can be used effectively with almost every decor theme. Whether your home is contemporary or classic, a thoughtfully added mirror can enhance the overall appeal. One must never compromise on the quality of a mirror as it affects how you feel about yourself and your surroundings.”

Luxury decor brand Tresor offers designs, colours and sizes that can be customised to suit individual tastes. Available in the range of Rs 2,000-Rs 30,000, the brand uses different types of material from camel hide to leatherite that can glam up the decor. Varun Vijay Singh owner of Trésor says the latest trend in mirrors is the use of elaborate yet contemporary frames in big sizes. He, however, has a word of caution.

“It is important not to follow trends blindly as mirrors can be a tricky decor accessory. For instance, it is important to understand the working and effect of a large mirror before installing it in a room. The size of the room, angles for placement and lighting need to be taken into account,” he says.

When it comes to mirrors, wood makes them look rather striking. Beautiful mirrors made from solid sheesham wood are available at interior store decor In Living. The Dublin Free Standing Mirror made from solid sheesham wood with a beautiful walnut finish is priced at Rs 12,000. Not only is it classy, it also offers clever storage ideas for the bedroom. So is the Tuscany mirror which is inspired by Tuscan country living with a warm rich finish. Time to get those mirrors — they reflect grandeur.